Epigenetic therapies for organ injury & chronic liver diseases, Jim Brown, Pres. & CEO, DURECT

Synopsis: Jim Brown is the President and CEO of DURECT Corporation, a biopharmaceutical company committed to transforming the treatment of acute organ injuries and chronic liver diseases by advancing novel and potentially lifesaving epigenetic therapies. Jim discusses how his early beginnings as a vet ultimately led him to the biotech industry. He talks about epigenetic regulation and how it ties into the work DURECT is leading. He dives into the unmet need for treatment for chronic liver diseases and how he gets capital markets to understand the potential impact in an area where there isn’t a lot of awareness. He also discusses where the company is from a development perspective, their plans to commercialize, and his advice to other entrepreneurs and leaders as they navigate the inherent risk that’s involved in developing a new therapeutic. Biography: James E. Brown, D.V.M., co-founded DURECT in February 1998 and has served as President, Chief Executive Officer, and a Director since June 1998. He previously worked at ALZA Corporation as Vice President of Biopharmaceutical and Implant Research and Development from June 1995 to June 1998. Prior to that, Dr. Brown held various positions at Syntex Corporation, a pharmaceutical company, including Director of Business Development from May 1994 to May 1995, Director of Joint Ventures for Discovery Research from April 1992 to May 1995, and held a number of positions, including Program Director, for Syntex Research and Development from October 1985 to March 1992. Dr. Brown holds a Bachelor of Arts from San Jose State University and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of California, Davis, where he also conducted postgraduate work in pharmacology and toxicology.